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Pacifism: meaning, definitions and examples

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pacifism

 

[ ˈpæsɪfɪzəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

belief system

Pacifism is the belief that any form of violence or war is unjustifiable and that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means. It advocates for nonviolence, emphasizing the idea that war and conflict can be avoided through dialogue and negotiation. Pacifism can extend to various aspects of life, including personal conduct, social justice, and international relations. Many pacifists promote disarmament and support humanitarian efforts to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.

Synonyms

antimilitarism, nonviolence, peacefulness

Examples of usage

  • Her strong pacifism led her to join anti-war protests.
  • Pacifism is often rooted in religious beliefs.
  • The organization promotes pacifism as a means to achieve global peace.

Translations

Translations of the word "pacifism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pacifismo

🇮🇳 शांतिवाद

🇩🇪 Pazifismus

🇮🇩 paham pasifisme

🇺🇦 пацифізм

🇵🇱 pacyfizm

🇯🇵 平和主義 (へいわしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 pacifisme

🇪🇸 pacifismo

🇹🇷 pasifizm

🇰🇷 평화주의 (평화주의)

🇸🇦 السلامية

🇨🇿 pacifismus

🇸🇰 pacifizmus

🇨🇳 和平主义 (hépíng zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 pacifizem

🇮🇸 friðarsinn

🇰🇿 бейбітшілік

🇬🇪 პაციფიზმი

🇦🇿 sülhsevərlik

🇲🇽 pacifismo

Etymology

The term 'pacifism' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the French word 'pacifisme' and the Latin root 'pax,' meaning peace. The concept gained prominence during World War I as many activists and intellectuals began to advocate against the horrors of war and the suffering it causes. Influential figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. helped to spread the ideology, promoting nonviolent resistance as an effective means of social change. Over time, pacifism has been associated with various movements, including anti-nuclear activism and civil rights, reflecting a broader critique of militarism and violence in society. The evolution of pacifism has also intersected with religious traditions, particularly among Quakers and other faiths that emphasize peace and reconciliation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,383, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.